Can they just run a tape of today’s debate in 2013?

The Senate voted 21-14 for a resolution – if it is passed again next year by the General Assembly – to place a referendum question on the ballot in 2014 about absentee ballots:

“Shall the Constitution of the State be amended to remove restrictions concerning absentee ballots and to permit a person to vote without appearing at a polling place on the day of an election?”

With one exception, the Republican minority opposed the measure that eventually could allow the legislature to allow greater use of absentee ballots – essentially allowing early voting by mail.

The state constitution now limits the circumstances under which absentee ballots can be used.

If 75 percent of both houses had approved the resolution this year, the question would go on the ballot this fall. Absent a three-fourths vote, the resolution must be approved by a majority vote in consecutive years.

The House passed the resolution 97-50.

Republican Kevin Witkos of Canton voted with the Democrats, while Democrat Joan Hartley of Waterbury voted with the Republicans. Democrat Edith Prague of Columbia was absent.